Psychotext
Member
Way too young. 
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Bicycle age
- Thread starter elrechazado
- Start date
MrOogieBoogie
BioShock Infinite is like playing some homeless guy's vivid imagination
Hey guys, so I've got a 1995 Bianchi Veloce. It's a great, mean bike, but it's so uncomfortable for me. The aggressive seat and handlebars mean I put lots of pressure on my wrists, which become sore after a short while. I was wondering if there's anything I can do to make the bike more comfortable. I've even thought about adding handlebar extensions so I'm a bit more upright, but I dunno if that's even possible. I'm very ignorant about bikes (yeah, I've got a Bianchi, but it was a gift from a good friend a while back).
Advice, please?
Advice, please?
Psychotext
Member
Changing the seat is easy. Changing the bar height is also relatively easy assuming you're not at the maximum height already. You could also use thicker bar tape, or change the angle of the bars to a slightly less racy position.
The fundamental solution to reducing upper body pressure is to roll your riding position back. Imagine pivoting your whole body about the cranks; the stem and handlebars have to come up, the saddle goes lower and farther back:
More weight goes to the back, less up front.
The simplest start would be to see how high you can raise your handlebars. A '95 Veloce should be equipped with a quill stem, which has a bolt on top that points down into the bike's headtube. This bolt connects to an expander wedge at the bottom of the quill which secures the stem to the steering. If the bolt is loosened, you should be able to move the stem* up and down, or rotate it (not that you particularly *want* to rotate it, haha). The stem will likely have a "minimum inseration" marking of some sort or another; raise the stem as high as you can without any "minimum insertion" markings showing, and re-tighten the bolt (firmly, but don't go completely crazy with the torque).
Then try riding the bike. If the position feels good, great! Otherwise, try lowering the saddle and moving it farther back.
If you can't raise the stem as high as you want, another way to get some height is to rotate the handlebars back a little, which usually puts the brake lever hoods higher up and farther back on the bike. You can accomplish this by loosening the bolt on the stem's handlebar clamp, allowing you to rotate the bars. When you re-tighten this bolt, it should be pretty tight; too lose, and the bars could slip loose under hard braking, which by the way is kind of terrifying.
Note, if the bike still has a long, narrow racing saddle, you *might* affect the comfort of the saddle by going to a more reclined position.
Another consideration is that you might help your wrists by making your hands more comfortable. If there are positions on your bars that you aren't comfortable gripping, an easy change would be a different style of bar tape. There are many available, from classic stiff cotton tape to squishy gel tape.
*If you can't move the stem after loosening the bolt, you have a stuck stem. You could try gently tapping the top of the bolt with a hammer to free the expansion wedge; sometimes this fixes the problem, other times you're screwed and need to take more extreme measures i.e. take it to a mechanic or just re-tighten the bolt and live with a frozen stem.
Flying Toaster
Member
So I posted this forever ago...
Review: I have had this bike do a minimum of 35 miles a day Monday-Friday 103 miles a day Saturday and Sunday. Since I bought it. Sick/tired/horrible divorce/job loss.
This is the best walk out of a store purchase I have ever made.
Stay riding GAF
Psychotext
Member
Down to my final three choices. Edit - Scratch that, just the two now.
Whyte T-130 C RS
Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 SL
Just waiting to hear back about crash replacement stuff / warranty to help with the decision. Whyte would be single ring only... which might make some of my local trails extremely hard to get to the top of, or have me doing blender legs to get any decent speed on the flats.
Whyte T-130 C RS
Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 SL
Just waiting to hear back about crash replacement stuff / warranty to help with the decision. Whyte would be single ring only... which might make some of my local trails extremely hard to get to the top of, or have me doing blender legs to get any decent speed on the flats.
Psychotext
Member
No, I considered it, but it's too long until the top one comes out, and I'm not convinced the bigger wheels are going to suit the tight trails I enjoy the most.
I'd go for the Canyon then and spend the difference on hookers and coke.
Then you and your nephew can ride around like the Cymru Canyon Couple, or something.
Psychotext
Member
I don't think I'm getting much in the way of hookers and coke for £200.
I don't think I'm getting much in the way of hookers and coke for £200.
But you're from Cardiff - that's like a year's supply.
Psychotext
Member
Only if I'm willing to travel into the Valleys. /o\
jakonovski
Member
All the cycling journos seem to be rabidly pro-Whyte.
Psychotext
Member
Yeah, they've had some great reviews the last couple of years.
jakonovski
Member
It's also orange coloured so I'd choose that one 110%.
Psychotext
Member
I originally felt that way too, but that Canyon is actually matt black in real life, and it looks pretty damn sexy too.
Matte black bikes are the bestest of bikes.
jakonovski
Member
I like the fluorescent ones.
Having rode neither, I'd go with the Canyon... seems like it gets decent reviews, and it's a looker. Besides, you wouldn't want to be labelled as a Whyte supremacist now, would you?
Have you had a chance to ride them both? What did you think of each?
As much as I like my Yeti teal, I have to agree with you! A matte bike can help with theft deterrence and can be a bit less eye catching in general. The only drawback is you may be bit harder to spot on a trail in the woods
I also saw that Pinkbike reviewed the Bronson:
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz-bronson-review-2016.html
I'm starting to feel that my experience was out of character, and I've got to give it another ride. Maybe it was just set up incorrectly, because the bike they describe in that review doesn't sound like the one I rode.
There's another demo day around here on Tuesday, so I'm hoping to get another chance to ride it, weather and lines permitting.
Psychotext
Member
No, I wont get to ride either. I'll be buying blind. Fuck all in the way of demo days around here for some reason (despite being mountain biking Mecca).
why is it always the mounter bikers who antagonize the roadies?
Psychotext
Member
It's because you scare us. Anyone that does hills for fun can't be right in the head.
Wax Free Vanilla
Member
Built up my summer steel steed
A very comfortable ride but it developed an annoying clicking sound during the test ride
A very comfortable ride but it developed an annoying clicking sound during the test ride
the zwift mountain stage is my goty when ridden on a smart trainer so you may have a point
Not me! Anyone who goes toe-to-toe with cars and trucks on a daily basis is obviously dangerously insane and needs to be treated with the utmost respect from a safe distance.
So was this your opinion before those 24,000 feet of climbing, or just after?
Psychotext
Member
All of my climbing is to get me to a descent... and I hate all of it.
Edit - Unrelated, got a reply from Whyte and they don't offer discounted frames for crash replacement (they suggest insurance). Definitely has me leaning more towards Canyon now.
That's a lie, there is one climb in this world I enjoy... but it still gets me to a descent.
Edit - Unrelated, got a reply from Whyte and they don't offer discounted frames for crash replacement (they suggest insurance). Definitely has me leaning more towards Canyon now.
You can't argue with the value that Canyon offer. If I was buying new I'd be looking at YT or Canyon.
Paul's Cycles still have carbon Cannondale Trigger 2s for half price (£2k) mind...
Psychotext
Member
I looked at the Capra, but it's a bit too much bike for my needs. If it was August right now (and I could try it), then I'd definitely be considering the Jeffsy.
TarpitCarnivore
Member
I feel like I'm going in circles with saddles.
Right now in my possession I have a Fizik Aliante, Specialized Toupe and a Brooks Swift. The Aliante was driving me nuts this year, but I realized the seat angle was off and it's been getting better. I want to try and like the Brooks but the nose is so damn hard. The Toupe I was going to give it a go, but based on just sitting on it's not going to do well for gravel rides or longer (4+ hours) days.
I'm going to laugh if the whole time my Aliante was off because of seat angle. I had some geometry changes (bars dropped, seat went up) but I still put in 800+ miles and did 10 hours on it last year so it's been perplexing what went so wrong. Only thing I've settled on is the seat angle which I may have dipped too far down to compensate for the seat going up.
Right now in my possession I have a Fizik Aliante, Specialized Toupe and a Brooks Swift. The Aliante was driving me nuts this year, but I realized the seat angle was off and it's been getting better. I want to try and like the Brooks but the nose is so damn hard. The Toupe I was going to give it a go, but based on just sitting on it's not going to do well for gravel rides or longer (4+ hours) days.
I'm going to laugh if the whole time my Aliante was off because of seat angle. I had some geometry changes (bars dropped, seat went up) but I still put in 800+ miles and did 10 hours on it last year so it's been perplexing what went so wrong. Only thing I've settled on is the seat angle which I may have dipped too far down to compensate for the seat going up.
Psychotext
Member
I'm obsessive about the angle of my seat. More than a couple of degrees off and my groin goes completely numb / my back is in agony.
Christoff Yurievich
Member
Wtf at the chain on the canyon? Wouldn't that be loud as hell, the ultimate chain rub?
Got doored yesterday on the way home. Saw this truck pulling out of a side street by a bar and just knew it was going to park in the bike lane.* Sure enough, it pulled up onto the curb and was half in the bike lane. I started to slow down but my disc breaks have been very sluggish lately^ and I could only slow down, not stop, so I tried to thread the needle between the truck and the traffic. The ruddy bastard opened his door and jumped out just seconds before I got there so I ran right into him! (Ok, so I was "humaned", not doored).
Hit him pretty hard too. Layed right into him too. "What the fuck is wrong with you? This is a bike lane, not a parking spot! And you're just going to open your motherfucking door without checking first? Jesus Christ, were you born in a barn?" Guy said a very hurried "sorry", jumped back up into his truck and shut the door, turning his truck back on to get the hell out of there.
Hilarious. Though I wonder if he stopped to talk to the person in the car his door hit...
* there used to be one or two parking spots but the city replaced and repainted the area last fall so it's been a bike lane for months. Doesn't stop people from parking in it, I've seen a car there on my rides home about two to three times a week.
^ so what do I do to make my brakes great again? I have the idea today to take my bike to the lbs and have them check them out. I'd usually do it myself but these are my first disc brakes and I haven't the foggiest. I figure they can give me a quick instructional and if I need new pads they will have the kind I need. Probably for a premium but that's what you get.
Got doored yesterday on the way home. Saw this truck pulling out of a side street by a bar and just knew it was going to park in the bike lane.* Sure enough, it pulled up onto the curb and was half in the bike lane. I started to slow down but my disc breaks have been very sluggish lately^ and I could only slow down, not stop, so I tried to thread the needle between the truck and the traffic. The ruddy bastard opened his door and jumped out just seconds before I got there so I ran right into him! (Ok, so I was "humaned", not doored).
Hit him pretty hard too. Layed right into him too. "What the fuck is wrong with you? This is a bike lane, not a parking spot! And you're just going to open your motherfucking door without checking first? Jesus Christ, were you born in a barn?" Guy said a very hurried "sorry", jumped back up into his truck and shut the door, turning his truck back on to get the hell out of there.
Hilarious. Though I wonder if he stopped to talk to the person in the car his door hit...
* there used to be one or two parking spots but the city replaced and repainted the area last fall so it's been a bike lane for months. Doesn't stop people from parking in it, I've seen a car there on my rides home about two to three times a week.
^ so what do I do to make my brakes great again? I have the idea today to take my bike to the lbs and have them check them out. I'd usually do it myself but these are my first disc brakes and I haven't the foggiest. I figure they can give me a quick instructional and if I need new pads they will have the kind I need. Probably for a premium but that's what you get.
Psychotext
Member
Chain noise really isn't that big a thing when you're already smashing around on ground so rough you can barely stay on the bike.
I don't think it's necessary these days with thick / thin and clutch mechs though.
I don't think it's necessary these days with thick / thin and clutch mechs though.
jakonovski
Member
New chainring, new shifter cables. Time to fuck my bike up.
Ooh, it's a lovely feeling.
Psychotext
Member
I have the first of two fairly long prep rides this weekend, which I'm undertaking in the hope that it'll get me ready for trying to keep up with two CX nutters at the Dorset Gravel Dash at the end of the month.
I'll be doing a form of hill repeats with my riding partner (basically on any hill I'll set out at full speed, then when I get to the top I'll turn around, go back down to wherever he's made it to, then set off up the hill again). Will be interesting to see how our mileages / elevation compare by the end.
I'll be doing a form of hill repeats with my riding partner (basically on any hill I'll set out at full speed, then when I get to the top I'll turn around, go back down to wherever he's made it to, then set off up the hill again). Will be interesting to see how our mileages / elevation compare by the end.
Did a 34 mile club ride today and handled it pretty well. Not thinking, I went out with the first group and was dropped pretty quickly. I hooked up with the second group and was able to have some company for the rest of the ride. I'm a 15 mph rider right now and should pick my companions accordingly.
I also went through a bottle of energy drink and a bottle of water in the 2.25 hours so I need to keep in mind for rides longer than 30 miles I should plan on stopping for a refill.
I also went through a bottle of energy drink and a bottle of water in the 2.25 hours so I need to keep in mind for rides longer than 30 miles I should plan on stopping for a refill.
jakonovski
Member
I find that electrolyte drinks give more bang for the buck, as water can go right through you.
Psychotext
Member
Ugh man, that fucking sucks. Hope it's just a minor tweak.
I have my bike in bits desperately trying to prep it ready for tomorrow.
I have my bike in bits desperately trying to prep it ready for tomorrow.
Thanks PT. Bastard thing just woke me at 4am, throbbing like a biznatch. BAH.
Good luck today dude.
I haven't had a bike in forever... My uncle picked up a pedal assist one and is riding daily so I have been considering maybe a hybrid to ride around, maybe commute to work with.
Saw on Craigslist there's a local refurbished bike shop having a moving sale and they just relocated close to me so I went and checked it out. Any of them over $500 the guy includes a 5 year maintenance plan. Of all the ones he shows me I like the feel/ride on a used Cannondale Adventure 600 which has a bit of wear but he tells me it'll last years as it's a solid bike. He wants $700 which is a bit more than I planned/want to spend but if it will last...
Later when I was home I looked at and saw this - http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searchlistingdetail.aspx?id=95991
Which makes me feel like I might be getting taken if I buy it... Any input/suggestions?
Saw on Craigslist there's a local refurbished bike shop having a moving sale and they just relocated close to me so I went and checked it out. Any of them over $500 the guy includes a 5 year maintenance plan. Of all the ones he shows me I like the feel/ride on a used Cannondale Adventure 600 which has a bit of wear but he tells me it'll last years as it's a solid bike. He wants $700 which is a bit more than I planned/want to spend but if it will last...
Bike on the left. Can't easily see the tears on the seat or other scuffs in the shade...
Later when I was home I looked at and saw this - http://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searchlistingdetail.aspx?id=95991
Which makes me feel like I might be getting taken if I buy it... Any input/suggestions?
jakonovski
Member
A top spec Cannondale Adventure 2016 retails for $720. http://www.cannondale.com/en/USA/Bike/ProductDetail?Id=ad1902af-b9f6-4298-98fc-9f7dbd40e61c.
The guy is trying to ask MSRP for a ten year old bike. Never visit that place again.
The guy is trying to ask MSRP for a ten year old bike. Never visit that place again.
Psychotext
Member
Shoulder blade / whatever it is just completely went on a ride (was injured before I went out). Had to dose up like mad on co-codamol just to get through it. Concerningly, even though I've taken as much as I can take, it's still extremely painful.
Really fucking depressed. Looks like no weights or riding for quite some time.
Really fucking depressed. Looks like no weights or riding for quite some time.
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